BMW launches Mini Cooper in India

German carmaker BMW on Thursday launched its iconic Mini Cooper in India, the latest luxury auto maker to expand in one of the world’s fastest-growing car markets.

BMW established a presence in the country in 2006 and has since seen steady growth in sales in India where growing affluence is producing a new upper class with expensive tastes.
“With the launch of the Mini, we have brought the world’s most exciting premium small car brand to India,” said BMW India president Andreas Schaaf.

Some 100 Mini Coopers have already been ordered in India with deliveries to start in May. The ex-showroom price per vehicle is between $50,000 and $71,000.

Luxury carmakers including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bentley, Jaguar-Land Rover and Porsche have all set up dealerships in India and report sales are doing well despite massive import duties.